1. We’ve exchanged contracts and set a completion date set. What should I do now?
Are you going to move yourself or use a removals firm?
If you’re moving away, it may be worth looking into the cost of hiring professionals. Check the contract to clarify exactly what the firm will do and what happens if any goods are damaged during the move. If you are moving from a large city to a smaller area, it could be cheaper to hire removers from the location you’re moving to.
2. What do I need to organise?
If you’re moving yourself, you’ll need plenty of boxes – you can hire these and start packing the things you know you aren’t going to need before your move.
You’ll need to give seven days’ notice to have gas appliances you’re taking with you disconnected and arrange a final reading of gas/electricity/water meters, remembering you will need to give 48 hours’ notice for these.
Sort out a final telephone bill for your current property and arrange for the telephone to be connected at your new house. Contact Royal Mail to arrange for post to be redirected to your new home. Cancel deliveries of paper, milk and other goods. Defrost the fridge/freezer before your move.
3. Is there anyone I need to notify?
Local water, gas and electricity, and phone companies will need to be contacted and inform both the council tax departments in the area where you live now, and the area to which you are moving.
Move your contents and building insurance to your new home. Register your change of address with the companies handling your pension and life assurance policies, the TV licence authority, the Inland Revenue and DSS, the DVLA to change your driving licence, your doctor, dentist and optician, and your employer.
4. What do I do on the day?
One of the best tips when packing is to remember to label your boxes showing which room they will need to be placed in when they arrive at your new home. It saves so much time!
Keep one or two boxes with all the things you’ll need to hand. This could include the kettle, tea bags, mugs, coffee, milk and snacks, along with toilet roll, matches, cutlery, light bulbs and a screwdriver. Don’t forget your new house keys and remember to leave all your old house keys behind.
Leave a note for the new owners with any information you think they will need – perhaps the names of the neighbours, the day the bins go out, or any alarm codes.
Turn off the water, gas, boiler and any appliances!
5. What about my pets?
Dogs should handle a move well, although you might want to ask someone to look after them while the removal men are packing up or you are moving boxes around. Cats will need more time to settle and should be kept inside for at least two weeks after you have moved. They could go missing if they try to make their way back to their old home, so ensure your cat’s behaviour has settled before you let them outside.
Would you like to know more?
Please contact one of our expert lawyers in the Private property sector here. Or contact us directly using our contact form below.
